We write our Erotic Romance stories to entertain, of course, but most of all we write them because we believe in happy endings for all who fall in love, whatever their gender, sexual orientation or numerical combination.

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The Romance Reviews

Archive for ‘Interviews’

Today we’re thrilled to welcome Mamie Center, here with an interview and a sizzling excerpt from her debut erotica novel, Hollywood Hook, released in December at Simon & Schuster.

Why don’t you start by telling us about yourself (Where are you from? What do you write/do in the publishing world? What do you do when you’re not writing — your “day” job, hobbies, obsessions, etc.?) I’m from a tiny town that even I haven’t heard of, in the middle of nowhere. I moved to Los Angeles when I was still jailbait so technically I am from LA. When I’m not writing, I’m traveling, having sex and wine tasting.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only five books and five CDs, what would they be? (We’ll just imagine you can play the CDs – after all, this is fiction!)

Janis Joplin, Etta James, Madonna, Donna Summer and Adele

The Story of O, Venus in Furs, You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again, Adventures in the Screen Trade, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood

Tell us one thing about yourself people would be surprised to learn. I don’t dare.

Tell us about your writing: How long have you been writing? What genre(s) do you write in? What have you written (short stories, novels, etc.)? What works are currently for sale? Where? I’ve been writing since I could talk, but this is my first book because most of the main players are finally dead so I can tell their stories without repercussions. Hollywood Hook is my first book and it’s only available digitally because it’s too hot for print.

What made you chose to write erotic literature in particular? Is there any other genre you’d like to write? And if so, why? I think erotica literature is the most freeing of genres. You don’t have to dance around the sex, you can embrace it. Plus, the classic idiom is ‘write what you know’ and I most certainly “know” my subject matter.

Any advice for those who want to write? Just do it. Writing is 90% discipline. Sit down at the chair and face your fears. If you do that enough days and months and years in a row (and have the passion and talent and determination to back it up) then you can call yourself a writer.

What’s the most useful book on writing you’ve ever read? I am working on a screenplay right now and I think Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat” is genius.

What’s the sexiest feature on a man to you? And on a woman? Why? Lips. There is nothing more intimate than a man or woman’s full lips and imagining what they can do to me.

Who are your latest crushes (celebrity, book character, or otherwise)? Do you ever keep those people in your mind when writing your own works? Angelina Jolie. She is completely open about her sexuality, had extraordinary lips, is incredibly powerful, unapologetically passionate and to top it all off…a great humanitarian. I think she would make a wonderful Magali.

If you could pick anyone in the world to be the cover model(s) on your latest release, who would it be? Jessica Chastain. She is powerfully sexual while retaining a lovely vulnerability.

Are you a book hoarder? Yes. I don’t know any writer who isn’t.

Do you have a favorite character out of all the ones you’ve written? If so, who is it and why is s/he your favorite? I love Magali in Hollywood Hook. She’s gorgeous, smart, passionate and flawed. There is also a great deal of mystery surrounding her…making you want to know her better. I love that in a character. She is going to have a much bigger role in the sequel.

Is there a way for fans and others to contact you? (email, social networking links, etc.) They can find me on twitter and on pinterest

BLURB

An erotic debut novel featuring a young actress who makes a deal with a hotshot Hollywood producer: in exchange for stardom, she’ll do whatever he tells her—including fulfilling his darkest desires.When promising young actress Jessica Barry moves to Hollywood in search of stardom, she gets more than she bargained for. Jacob, a Hollywood producer who knows everyone, assures Jessica that he will help her rise to the top of the business, as long as she does “exactly what he tells her.” She soon discovers this involves following every one of his sexually sadistic rules—including obeying his second in command, Magali, a gorgeous Frenchwoman who toys with Jessica, sexually teasing and tormenting her. In exchange for stardom, Jessica must seduce Hollywood superstar Thomas Mansell. Using the newfound powers taught to her by Magali, Jessica wins Thomas’s heart. But when Jessica actually falls in love with Thomas, Jacob cruelly reminds her that he owns her—body and mind.

Erotic and sensual, this is the side of Hollywood that no one dares to talk about.

EXCERPT

“Six!”

Jake toasted the monitor with a glass of champagne. “I’m impressed.”

Jessica’s naked, writhing body was displayed in full Technicolor HD with surround sound on a series of monitors that adorned the wall of Jake’s inner sanctum. A state-of-the-art security/voyeur system with several flat-screen monitors gave Jake access to each one of his private cabins.

“Keep going and you will soon hold the house record, my dear.” Jake smiled as he watched the monitor, which was connected to a hidden camera in the ceiling fan directly above Jessica’s bed. “C’mon, little Jessie, give us a seventh . . .”

On the screen, Jessica rolled over onto her back and looked up at the ceiling, staring directly at the invisible camera. Her left hand moved slowly now between her legs, disappearing into her flesh, while her right gently massaged her breast. She shuddered, back arching, belly and groin thrusting upwards.

“Seven.” Jake applauded and turned his attention from the bay of monitors to look at Magali, who was standing behind his left shoulder, staring intently at the screen. “She’s even better than I had hoped: young, passionate, and determined to get what she wants. Imagine the potential.”

“No one is that special. We’re all just an illusion. And Jessica will have her fifteen minutes of fame . . . but she’s going to work for me in order to get it.” Jacob’s voice was harsh and businesslike. “She won’t need to train as long as the others. She’ll be ready soon, I can feel it. And my instincts are never wrong.” His left hand reached out, pushed under Magali’s open robe and cupped her buttocks. He squeezed gently, almost tenderly. “I wasn’t wrong with you, was I?”

Magali moved almost imperceptibly, shifting away from his kneading fingers.

Jake pushed a button, causing the monitor to zoom in on Jessica’s breathless, albeit still frustrated face. Her eyes, pupils huge and dilated with lust, filled the screen. “Oh, yes. I am guessing that our little Jessie will do whatever it takes to get to the top. She simply needs some nurturing.”

Jake reached into the drawer of his large oak desk and pulled out a wad of cash. He peeled off ten hundred dollar bills, then stood and pushed them into Magali’s limp fingers. He then kissed her gently on each cheek. “No personal attachments. You know the rules. Now, go. Vouz feriez mieux d’aller. Il est tard. Have fun, your work today is finished.”

A sobbing moan trembled through the speakers, and both Jake and Magali turned back to the monitor. “Eight,” Magali murmured in admiration.

Jake grinned. He brought his face close to the screen and stared into Jessica’s hooded eyes. “That’s right, little Jessie. Take care of your own needs for the moment. That’s a good girl. Soon we’ll take care of them for you.”

Find me two places today! Wicked After Dark Bloghop is at this LINK, now through November 1, and today I’m over at Romance Lives Forever, answering Kayelle’s wonderful interview questions and offering a contest!

Today we’re thrilled to introduce you to Layna Pimentel, here to share about her writing life and give us a peek into one of her works in progress!

Why don’t you start by telling us about yourself (Where are you from? What do you write/do in the publishing world? What do you do when you’re not writing — your “day” job, hobbies, obsessions, etc.?) Thank you for having me over, Adriana. I’m originally from Toronto, Ontario, but have since relocated to a small city bordering the upper peninsula of Michigan with my husband and two daughters. During the day I work in the telecommunications industry, which satisfies the geeky side of me. In my spare time when I find some, I collect tarot, gargoyles, gardening and researching new ideas for stories.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only five books and five CDs, what would they be? (We’ll just imagine you can play the CDs – after all, this is fiction!) Be prepared to be shocked. I listen to a wide variety of music. Sarah Brightman – Symphony, Fleetwood Mac – The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac, The Mediaeval Baebes – Mirabilis, Type O Negative – October Rust, Jesse Cook – Free Fall. As for books, here would be my choices: The Wedding – Julie Garwood, When Strangers Marry – Lisa Kleypas, Bitten – Kelly Armstrong, The Duke – Gaelen Foley, The Chief – Monica McCarty.

Do you read primarily print books, ebooks, or both? I read a combination of the two. Most of my historical novels are in paperback. As for my erotica/erotic romance collection, I prefer to keep those in ebook format, away from prying eyes (my daughters). lol

Tell us about your writing: How long have you been writing? What genre(s) do you write in? What have you written (short stories, novels, etc.)? What works are currently for sale? Where? I’ve been writing on and off since high school, but professionally for three years. I write paranormal romance, but I’ve dabbled with some sci/fi and contemporary. I have a few completed short stories, with one out on submission. Aside from that, I have one novella and novel in the works.

What made you decide to write? My obsession started only as way to relieve stress. Who knew it would eventually become an addiction/way of life.

What made you chose to write your genre in particular? Is there any other genre you’d like to write? And if so, why? I have to admit, I think the genre picked me. I love anything to do with vampires, ghosts, weres and demons. So why not? Now that I’ve built some confidence with my writing I’ve decided to try my hand at historical and contemporary erotica. They’ve always been favorites.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? I’m a little of both. Goodness knows though, no matter how many times I try and stick to a plan, things always change.

How do you get ideas for your stories? What inspires you? For the most part music plays a huge influence in what I write. When I’m in a classical mood, I write historical pieces, rock and ambient music inspire my paranormal and contemporary pieces.

Which comes first when you’re starting to write a new story: character, setting, plot, or theme? For me a character is what drives a new story. Nothing beats having fresh meat to work with. It’s those first moments with your characters that make it, or break it with the plot.

Any advice for those who want to write? This is going to sound cheesy but the only advice I can offer is to remember the three p’s. Patience, perseverance, pride. Writing doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does becoming the next hot release on the NYT bestsellers list. Take it one step at a time. The experience is humbling.

Perseverance should be that nagging devil on your shoulder, pushing you on to prove everyone wrong. Only you can put your ideas on paper, and only you can prove to the world your characters are worthy. So don’t give up. You’re the only person in-charge of your dreams.

While pride can have a negative definition, be sure that your work is the best it can be before you submit. You’ll save yourself a sh*t load of embarrassment, if find yourself a compatible critique group/partner to work with.

Is there a way for fans and others to contact you? Absolutely. You can find me at:

Tell us about your work – we’d love an excerpt, too! Here’s a sneak peek into a little something I’m working on right now. This excerpt is from Crushed Velvet, my contemporary erotic novella with some D/S elements.

EXCERPT

Brent gazed into her eyes, hoping she wanted him as bad as he did her.

“Tell me sweetheart, has there been anyone else since your husband passed?”

She studied him as if discerning whether it was safe to let the truth out. And what was the truth? Had she been with others, or had she found solace in being celibate? He waited for what seemed an eternity for her response when she finally shook her head. A subtle but noticeable blush swept across her cheeks, and she shook her head while cupping the bulge in his leather pants. Her response shook him to the core.

How was it possible for her to have gone so long without being kissed, loved by another man? Yes, she would have required time to mourn, but to isolate herself from human touch was unhealthy. Everyone had needs, and hers were no different from anyone else. He would have died if he’d gone without sex for such an extended time. The past three days he’d longed for her had been hard enough. Mental images of spanking her perfect ass, binding her to his bed and driving himself, hard and deep, tortured him. His throbbing cock would have to wait. He wanted to remind her of the simple pleasure life had to offer. Right now, he wanted her to need him.

Desire coursed through his veins. He slid his hands up her toned thighs, lifting the hem of her dress, until he cupped the globes of her ass. Understanding his queue, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He backed her into the draped corner across the lounge, not caring whether they were in public or not. They were in Crushed Velvet, and the likelihood of the patrons complaining was nil. He’d have her more focused on every stroke of his fingers sliding in and out, and every tweak of her sweet and swollen clit, instead of entertaining any of the clubs voyeurs. Not only would he reacquaint her with the sensations a man could bring her, but he would give her a lesson in submission.

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